Thales Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Thales has 10 executives leading key functions including finance, information technology, operations, marketing, and technology.

Driven by innovation, Thales is dedicated to building a confident future through advanced technologies, investing in digital and deep tech innovations crucial for societal development across defense, aeronautics, space, transport, and digital identity and security.

Leadership Roles at Thales

  • Chief Financial Officer - Ludovic Chouasne
  • Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance Cloud Protection & Licensing - Christine Draper
  • Chief Financial Officer (China) - Christina Tsai
  • Chief Financial Officer, Business Operations - Michel Weiss
  • Chief Operating Officer - Shrikant Totala
  • Chief Information Officer - Robert Plant
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Gopalakrishnan Narasimhan
  • Chief Technology Officer, Information Technology (Americas) & Director, Infrastructure - Derek Kamp
  • Chief Information Officer South and North East Asia and Information Systems Director for Asia - Loubignac Hervé
  • Data Security Field Chief Technology Officer - Daniel Goodes
  • Ludovic Chouasne - Chief Financial Officer

    Ludovic Chouasne, the Chief Financial Officer at Thales, directs the company's overall financial strategy and operations. Chouasne oversees all fiscal activities, including financial planning, risk management, and reporting, ensuring robust financial health and compliance across the organization. This leadership role involves managing capital allocation and optimizing financial performance to support Thales's investment in digital and deep tech innovations. By analyzing market trends and economic conditions, Ludovic Chouasne drives financial decision-making that underpins the company's commitment to building a confident future. The Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources are strategically deployed to advance Thales's critical role in defense, aeronautics, space, transport, and digital identity and security domains, fostering sustainable growth and shareholder value.
    Ludovic Chouasne

    Christine Draper - Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance Cloud Protection & Licensing

    Christine Draper, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance Cloud Protection & Licensing at Thales, manages financial operations with a specific focus on cloud protection and licensing strategies. Draper oversees the financial planning, budgeting, and reporting for these critical business segments, ensuring profitability and strategic alignment. This dual role is essential for optimizing financial performance and driving growth in Thales's cloud-related technology offerings. By providing financial leadership and insights, Christine Draper supports the company's investment in advanced digital solutions. The Chief Financial Officer's financial acumen is vital for the sustainable development and market success of Thales's cloud protection and licensing services, contributing to its overall mission.

    Christina Tsai - Chief Financial Officer (China)

    Christina Tsai, the Chief Financial Officer (China) at Thales, directs the financial strategy and operations within the significant Chinese market. Tsai oversees all fiscal activities in China, including financial planning, analysis, and compliance, ensuring robust financial management and strategic resource allocation. This regional leadership role is critical for supporting Thales's expansion and technological investments in China. By navigating the complexities of the Chinese financial landscape, Christina Tsai ensures that financial operations effectively contribute to the company's objectives. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is essential for driving financial performance and supporting Thales's critical role in defense, aeronautics, space, transport, and digital identity and security within China.

    Michel Weiss - Chief Financial Officer, Business Operations

    Michel Weiss, the Chief Financial Officer, Business Operations at Thales, leads financial oversight and strategic planning for the company's core business operations. Weiss directs financial management, performance analysis, and resource optimization to enhance operational efficiency and profitability. This role is fundamental to ensuring that Thales's business operations are financially sound and strategically aligned with its innovation goals. By driving financial discipline and insightful analysis, Michel Weiss supports the effective deployment of capital across Thales's diverse technological domains. The Chief Financial Officer's leadership ensures that business operations are financially robust, contributing to Thales's mission of building a confident future through advanced technologies.

    Shrikant Totala - Chief Operating Officer

    Shrikant Totala, the Chief Operating Officer at Thales, directs the company's day-to-day operational activities and ensures seamless execution of business processes. Totala oversees the optimization of production, supply chain management, and service delivery, driving efficiency and quality across all operational facets. This leadership position is vital for translating Thales's technological innovations into tangible products and services for its diverse customer base. By streamlining operations and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Shrikant Totala enhances the company's ability to meet critical market demands. The Chief Operating Officer's strategic oversight ensures that Thales effectively delivers on its commitments in the defense, aeronautics, space, transport, and digital identity and security sectors, reinforcing its global market presence.

    Robert Plant - Chief Information Officer

    Robert Plant, the Chief Information Officer at Thales, architects the company's global information technology strategy and infrastructure. Plant oversees the implementation and management of IT systems, ensuring operational efficiency and data security across all business units. This critical role involves driving digital transformation initiatives and leveraging technology to enhance Thales's capabilities in connectivity, big data, AI, and cybersecurity. By aligning IT operations with business objectives, Robert Plant ensures that technological advancements support the company's mission to build a confident future. The Chief Information Officer's leadership is essential for maintaining the integrity and performance of information systems that are crucial for Thales's operations in defense, aeronautics, space, transport, and digital identity and security.

    Gopalakrishnan Narasimhan - Chief Marketing Officer

    Gopalakrishnan Narasimhan, the Chief Marketing Officer at Thales, shapes and executes the company's global marketing and brand strategy. Narasimhan oversees market research, product positioning, and demand generation initiatives, driving brand awareness and customer engagement across key sectors. This role is pivotal in communicating Thales's commitment to advanced technologies and its role in building a confident future. By identifying market opportunities and developing compelling value propositions, Gopalakrishnan Narasimhan ensures that Thales's innovations resonate with businesses, organizations, and governments. The Chief Marketing Officer's strategic direction is essential for reinforcing Thales's leadership in defense, aeronautics, space, transport, and digital identity and security, fostering strong customer relationships and market penetration.

    Derek Kamp - Chief Technology Officer, Information Technology (Americas) & Director, Infrastructure

    Derek Kamp, the Chief Technology Officer, Information Technology (Americas) & Director, Infrastructure at Thales, spearheads technology innovation and infrastructure management within the Americas region. Kamp directs the development and deployment of cutting-edge IT solutions and oversees the robust infrastructure necessary to support Thales's advanced technological operations. This leadership position is crucial for ensuring that the company's technological capabilities in the Americas align with its global strategy for digital and deep tech advancements. By optimizing infrastructure and driving technological adoption, Derek Kamp enhances Thales's operational resilience and competitive edge. The Chief Technology Officer's focus on infrastructure and IT ensures the reliable delivery of services critical to Thales's presence in defense, aeronautics, space, transport, and digital identity and security across the Americas.

    Loubignac Hervé - Chief Information Officer South and North East Asia and Information Systems Director for Asia

    Loubignac Hervé, the Chief Information Officer South and North East Asia and Information Systems Director for Asia at Thales, leads the information technology strategy and systems implementation across key Asian regions. Hervé directs the management of IT infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives, ensuring alignment with Thales's global technology objectives. This role is vital for supporting the company's growth and operational effectiveness within the dynamic Asian market. By optimizing information systems and fostering digital innovation, Loubignac Hervé enhances Thales's ability to serve its customers in defense, aeronautics, space, transport, and digital identity and security throughout Asia. The Chief Information Officer's regional leadership ensures robust IT support and strategic technological advancement across South and North East Asia.

    Daniel Goodes - Data Security Field Chief Technology Officer

    Daniel Goodes, the Data Security Field Chief Technology Officer at Thales, drives the strategic implementation of data security solutions and technologies. Goodes oversees the development and deployment of advanced cybersecurity measures, ensuring the protection of sensitive information and critical systems. This role is paramount in reinforcing Thales's commitment to building a confident future through robust digital and deep tech innovations, particularly in cybersecurity. By anticipating emerging threats and developing proactive security strategies, Daniel Goodes enhances Thales's resilience against cyber risks. The Data Security Field Chief Technology Officer's expertise is crucial for safeguarding customer data and maintaining trust across Thales's operations in defense, aeronautics, space, transport, and digital identity and security.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Thales Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Thales?
    Thales is led by Ludovic Chouasne (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Christine Draper (Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance Cloud Protection & Licensing) and Christina Tsai (Chief Financial Officer (China)).
    Who is part of Thales’s executive team?
    The executive team of Thales includes leaders such as Ludovic Chouasne (Chief Financial Officer), Christine Draper (Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance Cloud Protection & Licensing), Christina Tsai (Chief Financial Officer (China)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Thales have?
    Thales has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Thales’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Thales includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance Cloud Protection & Licensing, Chief Financial Officer (China), Chief Financial Officer, Business Operations, Chief Operating Officer.